Earthdawn to Shadowrun 4e, I'm giving it a shot Options

[Hatspur]

This is my attempt at creating something many of you will call blasphemous, but I don't care. I think the Earthdawn setting is awesome, and I think the rules system for it is terrible. So I am creating this conversion thread that I will be adding to over the course of the next week. I want people's feedback because I want to make it a fun setting to play in. Keep in mind that I am NOT trying to preserve many rules mechanics present in Earthdawn. So do not be surprised that I am doing away with disciplines and talents. I may preserve a great deal of them as adept powers or qualities, and if your favorite one is missing, make a suggestion. From here on out, most of the stuff I will be posting will be cut and pasted from a Wordpad file.

If anyone has material they want to contribute, I would love to see it. This includes rules tweaks for Earthdawn that have nothing to do with Shadowrun 4e or other Earthdawn conversions.

I will try to post at least three updates each day until I am satisfied with the finished product.

Let me start by saying that I love Shadowrun. It is a stunning game in which play moves smoothly and character creation can be very entertaining. I also love the setting that Shadowrun is meant to be played in. This is my first attempt to convert Earthdawn's cumbersome rules system into that of Shadowrun 4th edition. It will likely take longer and be much more painful than I originally anticipated. I am aware that there are many game mechanics in place that would eliminate the feel of an Earthdawn game, some of these mechanics are going to dissapear intentionally while others are going to be preserved in a method that I hope makes sense. Many people are going to think or say that this should/can not be done and that I am wasting my time. I think this is cute because I have to live under the yolk of forced unemployment for at least another month. And besides, I am not neccesarily sharing this because I think it will make me a writing or dev career, I am sharing because I will use it with my own gaming buddies and I figured some of you wouldn't mind having a rules set for Earthdawn that didn't make you want to tear your hair out. Take what I do with a grain of salt, provide constructive criticism, and if you see something you don't like, don't use it but by all means tell me why you don't like it so I can perhaps improve upon it.

Now, the next question is where do I start? There are many areas, but I believe it will be easiest if I start with character creation. After all, you HAVE to start here if you are a player. So, I will begin by converting the races and their respective stat mods and BP cost in 4th edition.

I am going to take the lazy man's route and rule the the already existing races in 4e need no rearranging. This is partly because I think those point costs make sense (Except for the Ork) and I would like to keep as much of the original systems as intact as possible. Anyway, enough language arts, I think its time for some 6th grade math.

[ Spoiler ]

Obsidiman- 35BP
BOD AGI REA STR CHA INT LOG WIL INI
3/9 1/5 1/5 5/10 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 2/11
Physical damage track +3, +2 body dice for all damage resist tests (Dermal Deposits)

T'skrang- 20BP
BOD AGI REA STR CHA INT LOG WIL INI
1/6 2/7 1/6 1/6 2/7 1/6 1/6 1/6 2/12
Tail Attack: The T'skrang can use their unarmed combat skill to attack with their tail at STR/2+2 Stun

Windling- 30BP
BOD AGI REA STR CHA INT LOG WIL INI
1/4 4/9 2/7 1/4 1/6 1/6 1/6 1/6 3/13
Astral Perception to 10 yards, Flight, +1 Dice to resist damage (Small size)

I've changed a few things around which may have radically disrupted the flavor of the game. I can't decide if the Obsidiman's damage track enhancement is too liberal or too conservative with the eggshells with hammers style of combat. I may have enhanced the T'skrang's tail damage a bit too much but I also feel they get a little shafted according to the rules of Earthdawn. The Windling I am a tad unsatisfied with and would love to hear some feedback. I don't want to make Astral Perception become an ability worthy of drain, and astral space is polluted enough as it is, as a GM I would do all kinds of things to a Windling who is dumb enough to astrally perceive in a polluted area. I would run his flight speed out of the rules for running in the BBB and I will create a fly skill seperate from running to use for skill checks.

More to come.

[fistandantilus4....]

I think the rules system for it is terrible.

Heretic!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I did a rough convertion for Lightbearers something like a year ago, although honestly I have no idea where it is. See if your search-fu is strong. It's by no means a perfect convertion, but it's something to toss into the pile. Good luck!

[Hatspur]

I figured it had already been done somewhere, I will try to search that up.

Skill post

[ Spoiler ]

Now I'm going roll over skills and stir the pot considerably. Because of the low tech nature of Earthdawn, their are obviously going to be some skills that nobody will use such as any firearms related skill. So they are all gone for obvious reasons along with the rest of the high tech skills. I have also turned several skills into skill groups and vice versa. Here is a preliminary list of modified skills:

There is no longer a close combat skill group
There is no longer an athletics skill group
There is no outdoors skill group
There is no influence skill group
There is no conjuring skill group
There is no stealth skill group

Physical active skills
Archery: is now a skill group containing the active skills of Bow, Crossbow, and Slingshot

Blades: is now a skill group containing the active skills of Axe, Sword, and Knife

Clubs: is now a skill group containing the active skills of Mace, Hammer, Staff, and Flail

Gymnastics: is now a skill group containing the active skills of Dance, Jumping, and Tumbling

Navigation: is now a skill group containing the active skills of Desert, Forest, Jungle, etc. Navigation

Palming: is now a skill group containing the active skills Legerdemain, Pickpocket, Shoplifting

Survival: is now a skill group containing the active skills Survival: Urban, desert, forest, etc...

Tracking: is now a skill group containing the active skills Tracking: mountains, desert, forest etc...

Magical active skills
No Assensing, Astral Combat, Banishing, Binding, or Summoning
Spell Matrix creation (Magic): This skill is used to craft Spell Matrices so that you may safely cast spells without the risk of astral pollution affecting your magic.
Specializations: (See Magic post)

Air Speaking (Magic): This skill is used by Elementalists to converse without other's eavesdropping. The Elementalist moves his lips and other Elementalists can hear him, but no one else can. The skill user makes an air speaking test according to the diffuculty of the message. This is treated exactly like a language skill. This skill can only be used by an Elementalist. This is a sustained magical activity.

Arcane Mutterings (Magic): This skill is used by Wizards to distract and unnerve a single subject. The skill user must pick a target within line of sight and makes an Arcane Mutterings skill opposed test against the target's willpower. The number of net hits generated takes away from the target's social dice pool.
This skill can only be used by a wizard. This is a sustained magical activity.

Astral Sight (Magic): This skill is used by Nethermancers to see into Astral space. Each hit on an Astral sight test increases the range of sight another meter. This skill can only be used by a Nethermancer. This is a sustained magical activity

Hypnotize (Magic): This skill is used by Illusionists to weaken the will of other people. The subject of a Hypnotize skill check must be in line of sight of the skill user. The Illusionist makes a Hypnotize+Magic opposed test against the target's willpower. The number of net hits generated by the Illusionist can be used on any social test for a number of rounds equal to the net hits.

Read and Write Magic (Magic): This skill is used by spellcaster to write down magic formulae into their grimoire. It also allows magicians to read magical grimoires written by other mages
Specializations: Glyphs, by magic type, by material type...

Social Active skills
Etiquette: is now a skill group containing the active skills of etiquette by region, organization, culture, tribe etc...

Intimidation: is now a skill group containing the active skills Interrogation, Mental Intimidation, Physical Intimidation, Torture

Negotiation: is now a skill group containing Bargaining, Diplomacy, Conversation, and sense motive

Technical active skills
Armorer: renamed Blacksmith skill group, which contains the active skills Armorer, Weaponsmith, and Toolmaker

Artisan: No longer a skill or skill group. You must take a specific craft as your active skill (carpentry, musical instrument, painting, etc...)

Data Search: renamed Glean Information. Specializations include: Bars, Library, magical research, etc...

Biotech Skill Group: renamed Physician skill group. Contains First Aid, Medicine, and Surgery

Animal Instruction (Charisma): This skill is used to teach domesticated animals. This can range from saddlebreaking a horse, to training dogs to fight.
Specializations: by animal, type of instruction

Craftsman (Intuition): This skill is used to make practical good for social consumption or use. Each craft is a different skill. Examples: Carpentry, Masonry, Wainwright, shipwright, etc...

Vehicle active skills
Pilot Wagon (Reaction): replaces pilot groundcraft. Specializations: Coach, covered wagon, etc...

Riding (Reaction): This skill is used for tests related to riding a mount. A different skill has to be used for each mount (Horses, giant lizards, etc..).
Specializations: Trick riding, mounted combat

Sailing (Reaction or Intuition): This skill is used to make tests related to sailing a small or large boat. Reaction is used for recreational or smaller fishing craft, while intuition is used to pilot trading ships.
Specializations: Recreational, trade, by ship type.

Knowledge skills
Knowledge is extremely important throughout Earthdawn, and as a result the 4e rules of knowledge points in Shadowrun seem too generous. Each character is going to start with 10 free knowledge points regarless of Logic or Intuition, and more can be bought at 2BP per knowledge skill point.

Language
Is treated in a similar fashion. Language skills operate the same except that it costs 1 point per language to gain literacy in that language. that includes your native tongue. You are of course still limited by your overall skill in the language when it come to reading script in that language

Overview
As you can see, I've taken the skill tree and chopped off the top. Many skills that were active skills are now skill groups. This is intentional to (hopefully)balance out the lack of cyberware in Earthdawn. It also makes skills much more valuable and increases the overall customization of the character. This may create an incredible amount of problems, or it may increase the depth of play. Either way, the removal of the top of the skill groups reflects the decreased ability to obtain information in a low tech setting. If this seems completely out of whack, let me know why.

[Fortune]

I did a rough convertion for Lightbearers something like a year ago, although honestly I have no idea where it is. See if your search-fu is strong.

You mean this one? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Hatspur]

Magic Post

[ Spoiler ]

I embolden this title not because it deserves emboldening, which it does, but because I am trying to procrastinate as much as possible before doing the most difficult part of this little project. I cringe to think about how I'm going to ram threading, matrices, spells, the different caster types, and the embarrassing number of adept powers into 4th edition. The answer is that I probably won't, and you will all have to mock me for my lack of rules shifting skillz. Anyway, back to work.

Conjuring: I know Earthdawn makes use of certain "spirits" if you could call them that. From freaky little evil things that Nethermancers summon from your worst nightmares down to elementals (which we can safely use regular spirits from pg. 294-295 BBB). I'm going to turn these conjuring based skills over to spellcasting because I am going to hose spellcasters ten ways from sunday when it comes to buying abilities, and they need a little relief.

Traditions: I have no problem keeping the traditions alive, but it doesn't seem to match Earthdawn flavor. So I've decided to remove the magician and mentor totem qualities to replace them with Nethermancer, Elementalist, Illusionist, and Wizard qualities, all of which are mutually exclusive. I'm going to allow mystic adepts just to see how screwy I can make things while still offering a great deal of customization. Each of the traditions is limited to spells in that discipline.

Elementalist
Concept: The study of the manipulation of Elements and the practical application of same. It is an attempt to achieve great power through the raw elements of Earth.
Combat: Fire
Detection: Earth
Health: -
Illusion: Water
Manipulation: Air
Drain: Willpower+Intuition
An Elementalist's goal is to harness the raw energy within the earth to his own will. Elementalists tend to be on the dramatic side and some even form cabals worshiping one element in particular or in exclusion to all others. Elementalists are sought after as special units in a military setting or on a grand scale as engineers.

Modifiers: +2 dice for any Element based spell, cannot cast Health spells

Illusionist
Concept: The study of the affect magic has on the mind and the manipulation of same. Illusionism is an attempt to achieve power through subterfuge and complex magical legerdemain.
Combat: -
Detection: Air
Health: Earth
Illusion: Man
Manipulation: Water
Drain: Charisma+Intuition
Illusionists tend to have vague or unclear goals as they tend to regard personal information as a weapon. As a tradition, Illusionism does not have any large unified orders and tends to operate on an apprenticeship system similar to many small Wizard societies. Illusionists are sought after as entertainers and representatives.

Modifiers: +2 dice for Illusion spells, cannot cast combat spells

Nethermancer
Concept: The study of the afterlife, death, the metaplanes, and forbidden knowledge. Nethermancy is an attempt to gain knowledge from arcane and eldritch sources.
Combat: Man
Detection: Air
Health: Man
Illusion: -
Manipulation: water
Drain: Logic+Intuition
Nethermancers study and manipulate magic from the Netherworlds. Nethermancers are universally regarded as very weird people who have a hard time getting along in regular society. This is not universally true, but their chosen career path makes them very akward at best and scary at worst.

Modifiers: +2 dice for Health Spells, cannot cast Illusion spells

Wizard
Concept: The study of Magical energies, matrices, and threads. Wizards study the nature of magic to gain more power and information
Combat: Fire
Detection: Air
Health: Man
Illusion: Water
Manipulation: Earth
Drain: Willpower+ Logic
Wizards are the baseline spellcasting class capable of casting almost anything, but unable to excel where other spellcasters have specialized. The Wizard tradition is organized by several organizations, libraries, and colleges throughout Barsaive including small orders of Wizards on the fringe of society.

Modifiers: -2 dice for spellcasting tests, +2 dice for Matrix manipulation tests

Initiation
Initiation is going to work like 4th edition in terms of karma cost. No lodge is required for initiation, although there will be a materials cost (See equipment chapter). Upon Initiating, a Spellcasting character automatically receives an additional spell matrix with a force equal to the character's magic rating -1. Other than the gained matrix, Initiation works exactly the same.

Spell Matrices
Spell Matrices are constructs on the astral plane used to protect the caster from the harmful effects of casting raw. At character creation, Spell Matrices cost 1BP per Force and a character may only have 2 matrices with a rating equal to his magic. The Matrices can hold a number of spells depending on the force of the matrix and the force of the spells. For example, a force 4 Spell Matrix can hold 4 spells at force 1, 1 spell at force 4, 2 spells at force 2....etc. This is similar to the shared spell matrix but I have made it a base rule for all Matrices. A spellcaster can only cast a spell at the force rating from within the Matrix, unless the caster wishes to overcast from a Matrix, which will be discussed later.
Matrices have condition track modifiers equal to their force x2. They can be damaged by certain Astral creatures or overcasting. Their condition track replenishes naturally at a rate equal to one of the caster's Drain attributes chosen at character creation per hour (Ex: Thragach the Dwarven Elementalist chose his WIllpower as his attribute at character creation. His Willpower is 4, so his matrices replenish themselves at a rate of 4 boxes an hour). The caster may also chose to repair the matrices faster using the spell matrices manipulation skill (Extended test, 10 minutes, Threshold: Dmg value, Drain: Dmg repaired) each hit restores one box of damage done to that matrix.
Matrices have a body rating equal to their force to resist damage. They continue to function at no penalty until they reach CM 0, in which case they crash and will not reappear on the astral until sunrise or sunset, whichever is closer.
Reattuning a matrix involves rearranging spells within the matrix itself. It is a time consuming process (Spell Matrix Manipulation, Extended test, 10 minutes, Threshold: Spell force) to remove or add a spell within a matrix. You may only reattune one matrix at a time.
You may also rig a matrix to perform other metamagical actions. This is called Rigging. Rigging is almost identical to reattuning (Spell Matrix Manipulation, Extended test, 10 minutes, Threshold: Spell force) except that it changes the nature of the Matrix itself rather than depositing spells into it. You can rig as many features into a matrix as you want,

Spell Lock: 2 force
Command means that you have programmed the matrix to cast a spell when a preexisting condition has been met (Ex: Cast armor on me when I'm hit, cast heal on me when I start dying, etc..)

Self Destruct: 5 force
A brutal and cunning trick many casters place on their matrix if they suspect magical combat may be in their near future. Self Destruct literally causes the matrix to explode onto the material plane and cause an amount of physical damage equal to it's full CM to whatever caused it to reach CM 0. The Matrix will not return to astral space until either sun sets, or sun rises, whichever is further away. It also manifests onto the astral at CM 0 and can be repaired normally. Self Destruct only functions when it's CM reaches 0 or when a command specification has been met.

Blending: 4 force
A process of magically binding a matrix to another matrix. This combines both matrices to create a larger, higher force Matrix than the caster could normally create. Add the force and CM of the Matrices together and they are considered one matrix for most gaming purposes. If the CM reaches 0, both matrices crash. A Matrix may be blended with more than one Matrix, but the blending cost has to be paid each time a new matrix is added to the group, + 2 for each matrix attached beyond the first two. Just because Matrices are blended does not mean you can create more

Shielding: 1 force per level
A process that reinforces the matrix and makes it harder to break. Each level of shielding increases the CM by 1.

Autothreading: 3 force per level
A process that automatically repairs the matrix at 1 box of CM per minute within the Matrix.

Reflection: 7 force
A process that allows the caster to apply the rigged matrix's force as bonus dice to one counterspelling check. If the counterspelling check is successful and the Matrix's owner has net hits, the spell rebounds either on the offending caster, or centered on the offending caster whichever is more appropriate. The matrix takes damage equal to the total hits generated on the counterspelling check.

Buffer: 4 force per level
A process that reduces the effects of drain from spells cast through the Buffered matrix. A Buffer adds 2 dice to your pool to resist drain.

Absorption: 5 force per level
A process that empties the Matrix of much of its potential so that it may absorb another spell cast upon the Matrix' owner. It automatically adds the force of the matrix to all counterspelling tests at spells directed at the matrix or the matrix' owner. If it succeeds, the spell is absorbed into the matrix and can be cast once from the matrix using a spellcasting check. If the absorbed spell has a force higher than that of the Matrix, the Matrix has to resist an amount of damage equal to the spell's force the round it was absorbed. Each round the spell stays in the matrix, it deals damage to the matrix equal to its force minus the Matrix' force. If the spell is cast from the matrix, use overcasting rules. If the spell matrix breaks while the absorbed spell is still stored within the matrix, the stored spell is cast upon the matrix' owner. After the absorption effect takes place, the ability is spent and has to be rigged again. Furthermore, any spells stored within the matrix rigged to absorb, may also be forcibly kicked out of the matrix to make room for whatever force spell that matrix caught (Ex: Carl the terrible has a force 8 spell matrix with Absorption taking up 5 force within the matrix. He also has Stunbolt at force 1 and Blast at force 2. He catches a toxic wave spell at force 9. Not only does his matrix have to resist 9 damage from the incoming, higher force spell, but also loses both stunbolt and blast). If you absorb a spell with a blended matrix and their isn't enough force to allow the spell into the matrix, the spell affects the caster normally and both matrices crash down to CM 0.

Forking: 6 force per level
A bizarre process that allows a spell to be dualcast out of one matrix. The spellcaster can pick two targets for the spell and rolls one spellcasting test and one drain test for casting two of the same spell.

Shuffle: 2 force
This optimizing method of matrix manipulaton allows the spells stored inside the matrix to exchange force ratings with other spells inside the matrix. Each shuffle attempt takes a complex action (Matrix Manipulation Extended test, threshold: force of highest shuffled spell). You have to exchange spells between their respective ratings and you cannot move the overall force of the spell around (Ex: Grigg the Nethermancer has his force 9 matrix with shuffle rigged onto it. He also has Decrease attribute: body 4, Lightning Bolt 2, and Heal 1. One of his friends was injured in a barfight and Grigg decided he wants to patch him up. Because his friend is such a mess, he shuffles his Decrease Attribute body down to 1 and his heal up to 4. But Grigg cannot take a point of force away from Lightning Bolt to make heal a force 5 spell. that would take a reattunement test.

Casting from a Matrix
Casting from a matrix is the most common action taken in relation to the spellcasting skill. To cast a spell from a matrix, roll the stored spell's force, + your spellcasting skill. Everything else functions just like out of the BBB, you take drain according to the spell's force, the spell goes off. It is important to note that while you are technically casting beneath your force level, it is not the same as casting at a lower level. You roll against the drain code of the spell's force coming out of the Matrix

Overcasting from a Matrix
Overcasting through a matrix, while significantly safer than overcasting raw, has consequences for the matrix. Overcasting is defined as casting a spell out of a matrix at a higher force than the matrix was programmed to do. Overcasting means there is no limitation on the number of hits scored on a spellcasting test in relation to the spell's force. So a force 5 spell can get 8 hits on a spellcasting test, and all 8 of them count as opposed to only 5 of them. The Matrix immediately has to resist damage equal to the force the spell was cast at and is unusable for a number of combat rounds equal to the force of the overcast spell. The drain is still stun damage

Casting Raw
One of the most dangerous things a caster can do is summon raw magical energy from the polluted astral space. It attracts horrors of all shapes and sizes and isn't good for your health. When casting raw, roll your Magic+spellcasting and sixes, like edge tests, explode. The spell, like in overcasting, is not limited by the spell's force and all of the hits apply. The caster also has to make a Willpower test (1) to avoid attracting a horror. The GM is also encouraged to make the character a little darker (Physically, mentally, whatever) after casting raw magic.

Overview
That's all I feel like putting up today. Instead of running in fear and whining and crying like a baby about the obscure nature of spell matrices, I decided to put a little spin on them that is incredibly heretical (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rotate.gif) . I made the matrices more customizable so that creative people can capitalize the hell out of them. I also began to discuss the spellcaster features that I will go into at great length tomorrow. I will also create a comprehensive list of adept powers abilities and maybe even character qualities.

[fistandantilus4....]

A touch on the skills- I'd disagree with requiring different skills for things like 'axe' . It defines a character to strictly on one type of weapons (kinda like D&D) because of the cost difference to use something else. Earthdawn uses "melee weapons" as a skill, while SR gives a little more definition by using Clubs, Bldes, and Unarmed. Conjuring should have a initiate grade restriction, as there is summoning in Earthdawn, jsut not until later on.

The easiest way to handle talents is to find equivelant adept powers, and use a set of guidlines adept powers with more signature effects.

Example : First Circle Warrior
Magic Rating -
Melee Weapons = Improved Clubs .5, Improved Blades .5
WoodSkin = Attribute Boost Body II .5
Unarmed Combat = Improved Unarmed .5
Acrobatic Strike = Great Leap I .5, Improved gymnastics II .5
Air Dance - trickier, I'd go with Ability Boost Reaction II.5, Traceless Walk .5 (forget the exact cost)

Anyway, that's a starting character level, four points of magic, certainly in line with a first circle warrior.

More advanced stuff like Tiger Spring could be :
Tiger Spring = Initiate Grade - Magic Point + Raise Magic Attribute 1 for 2 points magic applied to Increase Reflexes

It's a different approach. Tossing ideas out there mostly, give you more meat to munch on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[fistandantilus4....]

You mean this one? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yeah that one. 1CSP. Good job *tosses Karma Cookie to Fortune*

[Fortune]

Mmmmmm .... Fortune Cookie Karma! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Instead of re-sending the whole sheet for 1 point (for a change), I'll just tell you that I'm going to spend it on improving the Augmentation Knowledge Skill.]

Incidentally, Traceless Walk cost 1 full Power Point. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Hatspur]

A touch on the skills- I'd disagree with requiring different skills for things like 'axe' . It defines a character to strictly on one type of weapons (kinda like D&D) because of the cost difference to use something else. Earthdawn uses "melee weapons" as a skill, while SR gives a little more definition by using Clubs, Bldes, and Unarmed. Conjuring should have a initiate grade restriction, as there is summoning in Earthdawn, jsut not until later on.

The easiest way to handle talents is to find equivelant adept powers, and use a set of guidlines adept powers with more signature effects.

Example : First Circle Warrior
Magic Rating -
Melee Weapons = Improved Clubs .5, Improved Blades .5
WoodSkin = Attribute Boost Body II .5
Unarmed Combat = Improved Unarmed .5
Acrobatic Strike = Great Leap I .5, Improved gymnastics II .5
Air Dance - trickier, I'd go with Ability Boost Reaction II.5, Traceless Walk .5 (forget the exact cost)

Anyway, that's a starting character level, four points of magic, certainly in line with a first circle warrior.

More advanced stuff like Tiger Spring could be :
Tiger Spring = Initiate Grade - Magic Point + Raise Magic Attribute 1 for 2 points magic applied to Increase Reflexes

It's a different approach. Tossing ideas out there mostly, give you more meat to munch on. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I was planning on handling talents as adept powers as it did make the most sense. Unfortunately I don't have street magic so anything that I pull out of my arse that is essentially out of street magic, just let me know. As for the conjuring initiate grade restriction I agree with you, I think I will put that as a restriction to initiate grade magicians. I separated the weapons and lots of other skills out intentionally because I thought melee weapons is way too broad a skill, especially when you compare it with casters and the restrictions I'm going to apply to them (I haven't posted it yet, so this is kind of a silly justification). In no way am I trying to Gygaxify Earthdawn and hopefully this won't be the case. There are no D&D books open in front of me while I am doing this so hopefully I will be free of the corrupting hive mind influence (IMG:style_emoticons/default/spin.gif) .

Thank you for the criticism, I appreciate it and will change things if it makes sense to me. Now to patch up the magic section a bit...

[fistandantilus4....]

If the break up's what your intentionally going for, then I'll shut up on that one. You're right, in that melee weapons is very broad. Someone who's an expert with a sword in RL wouldn't likely have the same amount of skills with say a whip. I only mentioned it because of the difficulties in advancing. IOW, metagaming reasons. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

For spellcasting, in ED, casting through a matrix means that you don't have to take damage from casting Raw Magic. It just takes longer to weave the threads. Besides dodging horror morks, that's the main advantage of a spell matrix. Spells that have threads take one extra round to cast per thread, unless you force it through, in which case, you take strain (Drain) damage per thread you force out to cast it faster.

Customizing spell matrix works fine. There's already a number of different types (Armored, Shared, Regular ol' matrix). I really like how you handled damage to the matrix, healing time for it, and what spells you can stuff in. There's less spells alloted in ED (only get a handful of matrices, and one spell per), but really it's a matter of flavor. If you want more varied spell slinging, load 'em on up. That was always something I'd debated. You tend to get a sort of One Trick Pony syndrome as it stands in ED, since the caster only gets a few spells at a time to work with, without reattuning on the fly. But it's done that way to show the limits imposed on magic by the Scourge, and make spell casters work that much harder than their forebearers. Again, just a matter of preference really.

@Fortune - Thanks, I thought .5 seemed off, but I didn't have the care to actually go look it up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Warrior Circle 2 - Durability = Mystic Armor (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Hatspur]

If the break up's what your intentionally going for, then I'll shut up on that one. You're right, in that melee weapons is very broad. Someone who's an expert with a sword in RL wouldn't likely have the same amount of skills with say a whip. I only mentioned it because of the difficulties in advancing. IOW, metagaming reasons. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

For spellcasting, in ED, casting through a matrix means that you don't have to take damage from casting Raw Magic. It just takes longer to weave the threads. Besides dodging horror morks, that's the main advantage of a spell matrix. Spells that have threads take one extra round to cast per thread, unless you force it through, in which case, you take strain (Drain) damage per thread you force out to cast it faster.

Customizing spell matrix works fine. There's already a number of different types (Armored, Shared, Regular ol' matrix). I really like how you handled damage to the matrix, healing time for it, and what spells you can stuff in. There's less spells alloted in ED (only get a handful of matrices, and one spell per), but really it's a matter of flavor. If you want more varied spell slinging, load 'em on up. That was always something I'd debated. You tend to get a sort of One Trick Pony syndrome as it stands in ED, since the caster only gets a few spells at a time to work with, without reattuning on the fly. But it's done that way to show the limits imposed on magic by the Scourge, and make spell casters work that much harder than their forebearers. Again, just a matter of preference really.

@Fortune - Thanks, I thought .5 seemed off, but I didn't have the care to actually go look it up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Warrior Circle 2 - Durability = Mystic Armor (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Yeah, it makes me angry that people need to take drain from casting out of a Matrix too. I completely agree with that and I wish there was some sort of game balancing method that I could introduce. I figured that most magicians would put perhaps 2 spells in their matrices at a lower force to increase their overall versatility and the drain code would be so ridiculously low that they would never take damage. However, I like that you mentioned that spells cast out of a matrix take longer to manifest. Now, if you want to work threads into this new system, I would run it off of the force rating of the spell. Oh wow, I just had a great idea. Ok, I'll continue working on my adept section and thank you for the ideas as that actually makes my life easier when it comes to threading. Oh and just a spoiler, the Beastmaster may end up as a very beefy adept rather than a spell caster.

[Tobias]

Regarding the reattuning of the matrices, I don't think the extended test with the 10 minute interval works that well. In EDC you could just take 10 minutes and just reattune all your matrices. But if you wanted to reattune spells you choose a matrix, took damage and then rolled against the thread difficulty. I don't know if this is what you wanted but with a 10 minute interval to change spells without casting raw means you just are stuck with your 2 spells. I'd recommend the interval at a complex action. And if you work out the threading stuff as complex actions just fits in I believe.

But it could be that i'm currently setting up a campaign for EDC so I have my ED hat on.

[Hatspur]

Regarding the reattuning of the matrices, I don't think the extended test with the 10 minute interval works that well. In EDC you could just take 10 minutes and just reattune all your matrices. But if you wanted to reattune spells you choose a matrix, took damage and then rolled against the thread difficulty. I don't know if this is what you wanted but with a 10 minute interval to change spells without casting raw means you just are stuck with your 2 spells. I'd recommend the interval at a complex action. And if you work out the threading stuff as complex actions just fits in I believe.

But it could be that i'm currently setting up a campaign for EDC so I have my ED hat on.

Yup, you're right. I went through the chapter on matrices again and it was 10 minutes to rearrange ALL of your matrices. I will put a correction in my next post's addendum.

I'm going to post one in about an hour, then one later in the day, and then one in the evening PST.

[Hatspur]

Magic cont.

[ Spoiler ]

Allright, so this entry will be entailing adept powers as well as the BP cost for being spellcasters and adepts. I wanted to leave this section for later just because I'm tired of building the magic section, but if I don't do it now I'll have to do it later when I want to be doing fun stuff like equipment and qualities. So I'm going to try to finish this section off as completely as I can
Addendum
The conjuring skill can now be taken by an initiate grade spellcaster. Binding and banishing are allowable skills at initiate grade 2. Also, if the skill tree is too flat, you may restore the top of the tree. It may be slightly unbalancing in relation to spellcasters; just a warning.
Also, casting from a matrix takes time unless the caster is willing to soak drain to rush the spell through the matrix. Instead of taking drain, the spell goes off in a number of rounds according to the force of the spell. Each spell has threads that need to be established according to how powerful the spell is.
Force 1-3 spells: 1 thread is required, and so it takes one turn for the spell to resolve.
Force 4-6 spells: 2 threads are required, and so it takes two turns for the spell to resolve.
Force 7-9 spells: 3 threads are required, and so it takes three turns for the spell to resolve.
Force 10-12 spells: 4 threads are required, it takes four turns for the spell to resolve.
Furthermore, reattuning a matrix is a complex action rather than an extended 10 minute test.
BP cost for Awakened characters
Adept 10BP
Nethermancer, Elementalist, Illusionist 15BP
Wizard 20BP
I increased the cost of being an adept because it is almost universal among Earthdawn characters. I did make it optional in case someone did not want to play an adept, but I can't see much benefit in scorning the ability. This next section will contain the adept abilities that either common sense could not cover on a conversion (Ex: Improved ability covers MUCH of the talents in the book) or that already exist in 4e.

Air Dance: .25
This talent allows the adept to glide 1 inch off the ground. This talent can be used to multiply the adepts movement by 1.5 for 1 turn or make a charging attack at a distance of 5ft.

Bank Shot: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept to make any ranged combat test against a target he does not have line of sight with this round, but had line of sight with the round previously. Each level of the skill adds one dice to the adept's pool to ricochet his shot off of walls or whatever solid available to hit a target behind cover.

Battle Shout: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept to yell, howl, bellow, scream in a very horrifying fashion at his opponents. Each level of Battle Bellow is added to the adept's physical intimidation tests while yelling.

Borrow Sense: .5
This talent allows the adept to borrow any sense of any animal bonded to him. While borrowing a sense, he loses his own sense and replaces it with the sense of the animal. Borrowing senses is a complex action.

Claw Shape: .5 per level
This talent allows the adept to transform his hands into claws and back again as a complex action. The damage on the claws is STR/2 +level of claw shape P. The adept has to take the exotic weapon skill claws to have extra dice in combat.

Dominate Beast: .5 per level
This talent allows the adept to exert his will over animals in a very forceful fashion. He may chose to make a Willpower + level of dominate beast skill opposed test against any animal in line of sight. If the adept has net hits, the animal has to obey the adept's mental commands as per the Control Actions spell. Any animal dominated in this way is considered hostile to the adept after the power is dropped. An adept only rolls half of his dice pool against animals that are bound to other adepts. If the adept uses the dominate beast power on any of his own animals, the bond is immediately broken after the Dominate Beast power is dropped. The adept may atone in some way the GM deems appropriate to re-bond tha animal. Maintaining the power requires concentration and inflicts a -2 dice penalty on the adept's other actions.

Emotion Song: .5 per level
This talent allows the adept to affect the emotions of a large audience. The adept rolls his musical instrument skill+ Intuition+Emotion Song Level against the willpower of the target audience. If the adept generates net hits, the audience is effectively under a Mob Mood spell under the control of the adept. The performance must continue for the effect to remain. If the adept stops playing, or some other suitably distracting event happens, the effect is broken.

Engaging Banter: 1 per level
This talent allows the adept to say convincing things to other people no matter horrible the subject context. Each level is added onto the Adept's con tests. If the Adept generates a net hit, the subject has to do what the adept suggested at a dice pool penalty equal to the hits the subject generated. Engaging Banter cannot be combined with any other Adept power.

Flame Arrow: .5
This talent allows the adept to turn whatever weapon he is about ot use with a ranged combat test into a flaming projectile. This adds +2 DV with the possibility to set the target on fire. The adept must resist drain against his agility+willpower (3) after using Flame Arrow.

Heal Animal Servant: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept to heal any animal bound to him as per the Heal spell. The Adept makes a Willpower+Heal Animal Servant Level and the result is the number of boxes healed. You may only heal an animal once per set of injuries.

Lionheart: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept allow his level in lionheart in all tests to resist fear.

Spirit Mount: 1 per level
This talent allows the adept to summon a mount from the astral to serve as his mount. The adept automatically summons the mount, no tests are needed, and the mount only performs the service of carrying the adept around. Use stats for an Beast Spirit equal to the force of the level of spirit mount. It has no powers.

True Sight: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept to see things for what they really are. The adept adds his level in True Sight to all tests involving physical illusions, Legerdemain, pickpocket, and other tests the GM wishes to apply.

Wind Catcher: .25 per level
This talent allows the adept to fall from greater heights and resist falling damage more effectively. Each level of Windcatcher increases the distance a character can fall without taken damage by 2 meters. Each level of windcatcher also adds 1 dice to resist falling damage.

Earth Blend: 1 per level
This talent allows the adept to blend his skin with that of the environment around him. It takes a complex action to blend with the earth, afterward perception tests to see the adept are at -1 per level of Earth Blend.

Animal Bond: 1 per level
This power allows the Beastmaster to have one animal bound to him per level of the ability. This animal is friendly to the adept and will gladly follow commands that don't put the animal in danger. The animal is restricted by body rating equal to level x3. Example: Tivera the Beastmaster has Animal Bond at level 3. She has 4 wolves, each with a body of 2, and one hawk with a body of 1. It takes 1 BP per animal at character creation to "bond" the animal to the character. If the animal dies, its space can be filled by bonding another animal and spending karma points equal to the beast's body to bind the animal. Bound animals serve the adept and follow him everywhere he goes unless commanded otherwise. Bound animals cannot stray more than 5 miles from the adept or the bond is lost.

Overview
This should be comprehensive enough when it comes to converting talents into adept abilities. There were several talents that either slid directly into skills or the improved ability adept power. I realize I have not gone over Grimoires yet and I will next time when I convert half of the spells over to 4e. I made adept powers appropriate to a beastmaster style character that I hope satisfy. Keep in mind I am converting this stuff from an OLD Earthdawn book, so there may be major abilities that I completely failed to catch. If there is something missing, please let me know.

[Hatspur]

Magic cont. p3

[ Spoiler ]

This next section will contain Grimoire casting and patchup for the remainder of the magic section. I do not see the need to alter the nature of casting spells aside from keeping the concept of spell threads in a very passive fashion. Heck, you could probably get away with renaming the spellcasting skill to threading. It would then have a different use when it comes to creating magic items too. Let me know what you guys think about that as it may be a bit radical to have enchanters as I'm not perfectly versed in Earthdawn lore.

Grimoire Casting
Grimoire casting is very similar to casting through a matrix. The main mechanical difference between the two is that more penalties are attached to casting from a grimoire.
First, it is more difficult to weave threads to a grimoire, and as such it takes an additional 2 rounds to weave the proper threads to cast the spell. The Grimoire and its unfamiliar nature and structural design is not as well suited to acting as a spell conduit. A -2 dice pool to spellcasting is applied while casting a spell out of a Grimoire. You may not overcast using a Grimoire at any time.
Any time you wish to force a spell through a Grimoire, the drain is physical damage rather than stun. Your Grimoire can hold as many spells as you want and you may write new ones in as the game progresses (Read/Write Magic 1 hour extended test Threshold=Magic rating)

Matrix Creation & Improvement
Most characters will not have to recreate their matrices throughout their entire life, but every once in a while a Horror or some other devious power beyond the ken of mortals takes your matrix away forever. These rules are supplied so your magician is not permanently without a matrix.
Creating a Matrix takes about a week and a number of Karma points equal to the Matrix' force. It is lengthy process that takes up the majority of the spellcaster's time. There is no roll involved in Matrix creation.
Keep in mind that every time a character initiates, they get a matrix at their magic level -1 for free. Improving the matrices is similar in difficulty to creating a new one. It takes roughly one day per force rating that you wish to improve the matrix by. You cannot have a matrix at a higher rating than your magic attribute (of course ignoring the blending ability).

Earthdawn spells
Many spells create similar effects as 4th edition spells, so for these I ask that you use your imagination and convert them accordingly. It is obvious that spells have alot more flavor than spells in 4e, and it should be encouraged by the GM to have character's perform some small ritual or gesture before casting. Spell lists should also be cleared through the GM in case he has reservations about an elementalist casting a large amount of illusion spells. As a general rule, casters should not have more than 1/4 of their spells outside of their +2 dice pool discipline at character creation.

Qualities
This section entails new positive and negative qualities for heroes in Earthdawn. 35 BP is still the largest deficit and benefit that a hero can take at character creation.

Book Memory: 10BP
Your character is especially adept at understanding the complex workings of a Grimoire. This ability grants a +2 dice pool modifier to scribe spells into your own Grimoire and cast from your Grimoire.

Talented Smith: 10BP
Your character is a naturally gifted craftsman at the forge. Add a +2 dice modifier to all smithing related tests.

Educated: 20BP
Your character has an exceptional background in studies and academic knowledge. He has a +2 dice pool modifier to all knowledge skill tests (but not language skill tests). This ability increases the character's reputation by 1.

Common Sense: 15BP
Your character makes smart decisions or at least knows when he's doing something stupid. Anytime during play, if the character with common sense is about to do something very stupid, the GM should warn him of such.

Reputation: 10BP per level
Each level of this quality gives your character +1 to reputation. This reputation can be any kind that society considers 'good.'

Reckless luck: 15BP per level
This quality grants the character a +4 dice pool when performing incredibly difficult actions (Threshold 4+). Most other characters consider someone with reckless luck to be detrimental rather than lucky.

Combat Monster: +5BP
This negative quality represents a very violent streak in a character. Anyone who has combat monster must make a willpower+intuition (3) test to break away from any combat situation.

Vindictive: +15BP
A character with Vindictive takes personal honor to an unhealthy level. If the vindictive character is wronged in any way, he tries to get revenge as soon as physically possible. This revenge has to at least be equal, but frequently manifests as grossly overdone in relation to whatever slight the vindictive character perceived.

Bad Reputation: +10BP per level
Each level of Bad Reputation gives you 1 point of Notoriety. This Notoriety can be any form of action you've taken in the past, whether it happened or not, and now people know your name is sullied.

Horror Touched: +20BP
Someone who is horror touched is a cursed individual who has had a close encounter with a horror and survived. Or perhaps the character was possessed by a horror and left permanently changed. The character is marred or mutated in some detrimental way, physically and mentally. Animals shy away, or attack the character on sight, and spellcasters immediately know the character's tainted nature. Horror touched are not usually allowed into civilized areas.

Horror Blood: +35BP
Someone with Horror blood is a corrupted and tainted individual. They look next to nothing like their race and their bodies sport features common with horrors (extra eyes, tentacles, bad odor, claws). Horrorbloods are never allowed in civilized areas and are usually put down on sight. Horror bloods also pollute astral space within 50ft around them. Player's are not encouraged to take horrorblood as a negative quality.

[fistandantilus4....]

I like the threads and the adept power convertions and costs. Looks real good man.

[SinN]

Wow, this whole thread is interesting as hell. I just used Horror touch on one my guys charactors. He went toe to toe with a horror recently in New Orleans. He didnt kill it, but it marked him, and his friend bargained for his life. So he was let go. What he doesnt know is that the horror left a thread in him. Over the next little while hes just going to be making the thread stronger and eventually take full control of him again. Hehe. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/vegm.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[Hatspur]

Good, I'm glad my stuff is finding some use. I'll post the equipment chapter tomorrow including the conversion rates for Throal, Theran, and other Barsaive currencies. I have no intention to alter damage codes or any flow of combat, except for including shields and the rules for blocking with one. I'm probably going to use rules for breaking barriers and normal rules for parrying. Oh, and if someone has a bright idea about what to do with armor without blatantly ripping a section off of d20, I would like to hear it. It will definetly not give you a deflection bonus and function just like 4e armor on a basic level, but I see no reason to keep ballistic rating. The big challenge I have to work through now is the wealth/BP formula. I almost included a Nobility quality but decided that it wouldn't really fit the Earthdawn flavor.

[Hatspur]

This list will consist of regular and fantasy critters. This list could also be applied to Shadowrun too. The regular critters can be taken as bonded animals while the fantasy ones cannot. By all means, If you see something that I missed, like a poison spur on the Platypus, let me know and I will fix it. There are rules for dogs, great cats, horses, sharks and wolves in BBB pg. 291, and this serves as an expanded list. Change the Wolf Agility stat to 5 to reflect balance with other animals on this list.
You would be amazed at how much easier having access to a little children's encyclopedia about animals made this.

Addendum
The adpet power Animal Bond has been updated:

Animal Bond: .5 per level
This power allows the Adept to have one animal bound to him with a body of 1 per level of the ability. The adept may alternatively have several animals with a body rating of 1, several animals at a rating of 2, or one huge animal with a body rating equal to the bond. For Example: Tivera the Beastmaster had 4 levels of Animal bond (Taking up 2 points of Magic). She decides to have a wild cat and a domestic cat as her bound animals (one with a body of 3 and the other with a body of 1). If the animal dies, its space can be filled by bonding another animal and spending karma points equal to the beast's body to bind the animal. Bound animals serve the adept and follow him everywhere he goes unless commanded otherwise. Bound animals cannot stray more than 5 miles from the adept or the bond is lost.

I also forgot to include the Mystic Adept Quality

Mystic Adept: 20BP
This quality allows the character to both cast spells by choosing a spellcasting tradition and internally channel magic like an adept. This quality works exactly how it would from the mystic Adept quality on BBB pg.79.

Critters

[ Spoiler ]

Anaconda
Anaconda are large Boa constrictors that prefer an aquatic environment. They are looked upon with fear due to their cold reptilian presence.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
3 4 2 7 1 4 1 4 4 6 6 1
Movement: 10/15, 15/20 (Swimming)
Skills: Unarmed Combat 3 (Wrestling +2), Swimming 3, Infiltration 6
Powers: Natural Weapon (Constriction DV StrengthP, AP +1)

Bat
A very graceful nightflyer that eats insects or fruit. Bats are nocturnal and suffer a -2 dice pool modifier while functioning in daylight. Bats also hunt using Sonar, so any perception roll used by a bat functions as though the bat was using Ultrasound.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
1 6 6 1 1 5 1 4 4 6 11 2
Movement: 20/50
Skills: Perception 5, flight 4, Infiltration 5
Powers: Ultrasound perception

Bear, Large
Grizzly bears, Polar bears, and kodiak sized bears are not gentle creatures. They are hard to tame and are very easy to anger. Any character who bonded with a Large Bear cannot have them walking around with them in any civilized environment as large killing machines are not welcome in cities.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
8 4 3 12 2 3 1 4 4 6 7 1
Movement: 10/45
Skills: Unarmed Combat 5, Perception 3, Running 3, Survival: forest 2, Intimidation 4
Powers: Natural Weapon (Claws: DV 7P, AP -1), +2 bonus dice to resist damage, +1 Reach

Bear, Regular
Black bears and other smaller species of bear are a formidable opponent in combat. Regular sized Bears are not welcome in civilized areas. Black bears are smaller and not as physically imposing as larger bears.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
6 4 3 7 2 3 1 4 4 6 7 1
Movement: 15/50
Skills: Unarmed Combat 5, Perception 4, Running 3, Survival: forest 2, Climbing 3
Powers: Natural Weapon (Claws: DV 6P, AP 0), +2 bonus dice to resist damage

Beaver
Beaver's enjoy living in aquatic settings in and around rivers and lakes. They can grow to be quite large and are usually considered harmless. While Beaver's may be allowed in civilized settings, they are looked upon as a strange sight.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
2 3 3 3 2 4 3 4 6 6 7 1
Movement: 5/25, 20/25 (Swimming)
Skills: Carpentry 5, Swimming 4, Survival: Rivers 2, Infiltration 1

Capybara, Large
large Capybara serve as draft animals and sometimes livestock. They can be a common site in cities and are frequently seen in herds outisde of rural settlements.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
10 2 2 10 2 3 1 3 4 6 5 1
Movement: 10/25, 15/30 (Swimming)
Skills: Swimming 4, Survival: Grassland 1

Cat, Domestic:
These statistics represent the average housecat. They range in color and size just like normal cats.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
1 5 5 1 3 4 1 4 4 6 9 2
Movement: 20/35
Skills: Infiltration 4, Perception 4, Con 2, Tracking 3
Powers: Natural Weapon (Claws: DV 1P, AP 0), Low Light Vision
Qualities: Blandness

Cat, Wild
Wild cat statistics represent those of a Lynx, Bobcat, Ocelot or other small predatory cat that does not fit into the Great cat category. Wildcats are usually not allowed into civilized areas, but there are many outposts and smaller towns that may allow their presence.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
3 5 5 3 2 5 2 4 4 6 10 2
Movement: 15/45
Skills: Infiltration 4, Perception 3, Tracking 3, Unarmed Combat 3, Climbing 3
Powers: Natural Weapon (Claws: DV 2P, AP 0), Low Light Vision

Crocodile
These large lizards reside in swampy areas, lakes, and other waterways. They are not allowed in civilized areas unless their Jaw is taped shut.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
5 4 6 6 1 3 1 4 4 6 9 2
Movement: 20/25, 20/40 (Swimming)
Skills: Unarmed Combat 5, Infiltration 5, Swimming 5, Survival: freshwater 2
Powers: Natural Weapon (bite DV 5P, AP-1)

Elephant
The Elephant stats reflect those of an African or Asian Elephant. Male elephants have tusks that do gore damage. Elephant's are not usually allowed into cities or civilized areas, but that depends largely on the strength of local law enforcement.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
16 2 2 20 3 4 2 4 4 6 6 1
Movement: 5/35
Skills: Unarmed Combat 5, Perception 4, Survival: Savannah 3
Powers: Natural Weapon (Male only, Tusk DV 6P, AP 0), Natural Armor: 6, Reach +2

Fox
Foxes are small creatures that vary in size and color. They are scavengers by nature, and are usually not a big deal to bring into a civilized area. Most smaller settlement dwellers may view the fox as a pest and either attempt to shoe it away or kill it if not attached to a character in some way.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
1 5 4 2 1 4 2 4 5 6 8 2
Movement: 20/35
Skills: Infiltration 4, Perception 3, Running 5, Survival: forest 2, Shadowing 3

Goat, Domestic
These Goat statistics are very general seeing as how there are many different varieties and species of goat. Domestic goats are often the most common form of livestock in a city, so characters may frequently interact with them. Goats also have a reputation for being very stubborn creatures.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
2 3 3 2 3 3 1 6 6 6 6 1
Movement: 10/20
Skills: Survival: civilized 3, Unarmed Combat 3, Dodge 5
Powers: Natural Weapon (hoof DV 1P, AP 0)
Qualities: Blandness, Will to Live 1

Goat, Mountain
These goat statistics cover the wide variety of mountain goats (bighorn, rocky mountain, etc..). Mountain goats are tougher and more resilient than their domestic cousin. It is rare to see Mountain goats in cities, but their presence does not attract very much attention.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
3 4 3 3 2 4 2 5 4 6 7 1
Movement: 12/25
Skills: Unarmed Combat 4, Survival: mountain 4, Climbing 4, Perception 3
Powers: Natural Weapon (Horns 5P, AP 0), Natural armor: 2

Obdurodon
A large river dwelling mammal with a short temper and a bizarre appearance, the Obdurodon is known as the scourge of rivers all around Barsaive. The Obdurodon is the size of a small Bear, has a Beaver tail, a duck bill, teeth, and a poison spur. It isn't much of a threat on land, but from the water's edge it can pull small children into the river not unlike a crocodle. Obdurodons are not welcome in any civilized area.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
6 6 4 5 3 4 1 4 4 6 8 1
Movement: 8/15, 20/50 (Swimming)
Skills: Swimming 5, Survival: freshwater 3, Unarmed Combat 4
Powers: Natural Weapons (bite DV 4P, AP 0) (spur DV 4P, AP -4) Injection poison that causes 1P for 6 rounds with a failed body test against Threshold 3

Otter
Otters are mammals built to glide through rivers and oceans. Otter's are very graceful swimmers and playful creatures. They are usually not well loved by isolated towns on rivers as they compete for the food supply within the river. Sea otters are prized for their pelts.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
2 4 4 2 2 4 1 4 4 6 8 2
Movement: 5/15, 20/40 (Swimming)
Skills: Swimming 5, Survival: Rivers 3, Perception 3

Platypus
Platypi are very bizarre creatures that are related to the Obdurodon. So many dramatic wizards and beastmasters are famous for befriending the animal either as a familiar of through bonding, that many people no longer react in awe to this awkward mammal.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
1 3 3 1 1 4 1 4 4 6 7 2
Movement: 5/10, 10/20 (Swimming)
Skills: Swimming 4, Survival: freshwater 3, Unarmed Combat 2, Perception 5
Powers: Natural Weapon (Spur DV 1S, AP-4), Injection poison causing a -5 dice pool to actions due to intense pain.

Warthog
The Warthog is regarded as one of the angriest mammals on all of Barsaive. Hunters frequently test their prowess against such a durable beast with an entire group of people as support. Warthogs are immediately killed if spotted near a settlement.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
8 4 4 4 1 4 1 6 5 6 8 2
Movement: 15/45
Skills: Unarmed Combat 6, Dodge 5, Running 5, Perception 2
Powers: Natural Weapon (Tusks DV 5, AP-1), Natural Armor: 4
Qualities: will to live 3, toughness, high pain tolerance 3

Overview
I know perhaps some of you were wondering why I would spend so much time on fleshing out animals. Well, the way the Beastmaster is currently set up is that he basically can replace the a drone rigger from SR 4. This is completely intentional, and I wanted to make sure that whatever kind of Beastmaster a player wishes to create has plenty of options when it comes to "drones." I didn't want to convert the entire animal kingdom into SR4, so if you have an animal you want to request or want to post, by all means do so.
For all you zoology nuts out there, yes I am aware to the best of my knowledge that Obdurodons never got that big. I just personally thought it would be humiliating and hysterical to attack a party with a giant toothed platypus.

Edit: I'm sorry the spacing for this PHP board is so terrible. I simply cannot get the attribute ratings beneath the attribute columns to save my life.

[Hatspur]

Addendum
Kyoto kid brought this to my attention in the stats 4 cats thread in General Discussion. So I gave the house cat a bit more skill love.

Cat, Domestic:
These statistics represent the average housecat. They range in color and size just like normal cats.
B A R S C I L W EDG ESS Init IP
1 5 5 1 3 4 1 4 4 6 9 2
Movement: 20/35
Skills: Infiltration 4, Perception 4, Con 2, Shadowing 2 (Stalking +2), Climb 4 (Rough surfaces +2), Gymnastics 3 (Jumping +2)
Powers: Natural Weapon (Claws: DV 1P, AP 0), Low Light Vision
Qualities: Blandness, Phobia Common/Moderate (Bodies of Water)

Wealth/BP formula, Armor

[ Spoiler ]

Wealth & Equipment
This is probably the most sensitive area in relation to raw rules. Any formula I present in relation to base points to wealth will not have an internal effect on character creation, which means that EVERY character will have more BP to spend on skills, qualities, or what have you. the main concern is balancing what a character can reasonably afford at 1st level. From eyeballing equipment and the feasability of things, I have come up with the following preliminary formula for wealth conversion:

1BP=30 Silver

To me this rate walks the important line between too much and too little. If there is something that I completely missed, just let me know. Remember, this conversion is based off of the prices in the 1st edition Earthdawn book, not the most current one.
I also have to convert several pieces of equipment into 4e for combat to run smoothly. The first thing I will convert is armor. Armor will function almost identically to Shadowrun armor. Instead of ballistic, it has a projectile rating and an impact rating. The projectile rating is used against ranged attacks that were fired from bows, crossbows, slings, and other powerful means of projecting missles through the air. Impact will protect against melee combat and many thrown weapons.

Padded Cloth: Pro 0/ Imp 1
Leather: Pro 1/ Imp 2
Padded Leather: Pro 2/ Imp 2
Hardened Leather: Pro 3/ Imp 2
Hide Armor: Pro 3/ Imp 3
Obsidiman Skin: Pro 4/ Imp 4
Ring Mail: Pro 4/ Imp 4
Fern Weave: Pro 6/ Imp 4
Chain Mail: Pro 6/ Imp 6
Blood Pebble: Pro 3/ Imp 3
Crystal Ringlet: Pro 5/ Imp 5
Living Crystal: Pro 6/ Imp 6
Plate Mail: Pro 5/ Imp 8
Crystal Plate: Pro 5/ Imp 8

The armor costs are the same as those in the Earthdawn core rulebook. I will now update the abilities of the special armors presented above.

Fern Weave: In addition to physical protection, Fern weave also grants the wearer 2 bonus dice in all opposed magic tests. This unfortunately applies to all magic and as such, friendly spells cast on a character wearing Fern Weave are at a -2 dice penalty. Fernweave has to watered every three days.

Blood Pebble: Is a form of armor that is applied and removed using the Armorer skill (Armorer Extended test, 1 hour, Threshold 10). Blood pebbles are hundreds of small elemental stones that draw power from the wearer's blood after they are embedded into his skin. Anyone using Blood pebbles automatically loses 2 boxes off of their physical condition track modifier. This represents the essence that the pebbles use to work their magic, it comes back immediately after they are removed and the character does not count these boxes when determining dice pool modifiers in relation to pain. The pebbles also have the same magic resistance effect that Fernweave does (+2 dice pool on all opposed magic tests, -2 dice pool modifiers to spells cast on the wearer by friends)

Living Crystal: Living Crystal is applied to the wearer by inserting small crystal columns into the skin. This procedure requires an armorer extended test, 1 day, Threshold 9. Once complete, the living crystal provides the armor bonus above and removes 5 boxes from the physical condition track modifier, and 2 points of essence. The boxes and the essence restore immediately after the armor is removed and do not count toward pain modifiers. Living crystal also provides the +2 dice pool modifier to resist magic and -2 dice pool modifier for friendly spells.

Crystal Plate: It costs 2,000 silver pieces a year to keep the enchantment active on Crystal plate. In addition to the protection offered by the armor, the Crystal plate also provides a +6 dice pool modifier on opposed magic tests and a -6 dice pool modifier on friendly spells.



Shields
Oi, ok so I opted to keep most of the rules for using shields in 4e as it made the most sense. You can take an exotic weapon skill in them just like pg. 317 of the BBB says. I'm going to get rid of the -1 dice pool modifier for combat actions but keep it there for physical actions. The ratings for the shield and the armor do not automatically stack either.
You have to make a reaction+dodge OR +Exotic Weapon skill: shield to add the shield's bonus to your armor rating. Every successive attack you wish to block has a -1 dice penalty per attack beyond the first.

Buckler: Pro 0/ Imp 4
Ferndask: Pro 1/ Imp 4
Footman's Shield: Pro 4/ Imp 6
Rider's Shield: Pro 5/ Imp 6
Crystal Viking Shield: Pro 5/ Imp 6
Body: Pro 8/ Imp 8

Ferndask: A Ferndask offers the same magical protection as Fernweave armor. A Ferndask has to be watered every three days

Crystal Viking Shield: A Crystal Viking Shield offers the same magical protection as Fernweave armor. It costs 25 silver pieces to re enchant the shield every year

Body Shield: This giant shield is so ungainly that it gives a -2 dice pool modifier for all non combat physical actions.

[fistandantilus4....]

If you're going to break up Ballistic/Impact into someting else, I don't think Projectile is the way to go. Most types of armor back "in the day" held well against piercing, slashing, or blunt trauma. You can mostly break that down to Piercing or Blunt. The idea of stuff like chain mail was to take a hit that should be slicing and convert it to blunt force. So you could go with Impact(blunt, whatever) and Piecring (slashing whatever) Chain mail for example doesn't do much at all against blunt force like a war hammer. It's meant to stop cutting actions.

I point on posting format BTW: you might want to try putting your large texts shots into Spoiler boxes to save on space and long scrolls down the page. Neaten the page up a bit. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Hatspur]

That sounds like an outstanding idea. Now if you could give me a brief tutorial about the quick access bar on the side, because I've been fiddling with it for a while now and I have no idea how to create a spoiler tag.

[Fortune]

Spoilers are created by typing ...

{spoiler}Things that spoil!{/spoiler} ... replacing {} with []. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Hatspur]

And..... fixed!

I'm going to try to make it up to Portland today and get some more Earthdawn fluff. Be back tomorrow.

[Hatspur]

Too much work and time spent on the blood charms. I was originally going to make Street sams still mechanically possible with wealth and other things, but then I decided it was too much work and violated just a bit too much of Earthdawn for my taste.

I have a question, I found a reference somewhere that Barsaive comprises most of what is present day Ukraine. Is this correct or do I have bad sources?